Back-to-school, Pluses and Minuses of Room Parenting?

It IS wonderful! While others might refer to going on field trips, helping in the classroom and being a room parent as "something I HAVE to do," I always referred to it as "something I GET to do." It goes by so fast. Now my daughter is going off to junior high and my son is going off to high school...they just don't need you the same way there. So my "career" at their elementary school is over and I'm so glad that I said "yes" to so many things (not TOO many things...be careful about that, too). I'd say my best advice for handling your room parent responsibilities is do to everything by email or by flyer with a request for whatever response you need (sign up for a shift at an event or bring something to a party). Then send a final flyer confirming what everyone is bringing and any other details. Easy! Only use the phone as a last resort! It takes so much time leaving messages, remembering to call back, explaining everything to each parent, etc. I found that sending flyers worked great. If you want some samples, let me know and I'll send you some. And remember, at every stage and age and with each new classroom, it's a gamble as to how many parents will be involved and helpful. There usually ends up being enough parents to get the job done, but if not, ask the teacher for assistance. Everybody does what they can, when they can, and you just never know what's on someone else's plate. So if you view it that way, you will have more compassion and not feel resentful when some don't help as much as you'd like. So good luck and have fun! It'll be over in a blink of an eye and you'll be left with some great memories!

J.

Well, I can give you the teacher's perspective here... (I'm a first grade teacher.) Many times I have a class full of parents who assume someone else will take care of it. If someone doesn't step up, then it feels like I have to beg for someone to please be my room parent. Another thought - perhaps you know another mom in the class? Maybe the two of you can do it together? Good luck, and please know that your child's teacher will appreciate all the help that you can offer.

Hi S., Don't be afraid...it's not that big of a deal and honestly it keeps you in touch with your child and teacher. You'll get to see things you didn't know about your child because they are different around you than at school and you get to be a rock star in your child's eyes because you are the mom that is around bringing treats, arranging parties etc. I've got three children and have been a room parent for each one several times. You just have to be strong when asking for money and not take it personally when they dodge you and just know that your time commitment will be more than an average parent, but less than being on the boards. Enjoy it. Kids only want you to be around for a short period of time and then it's "I'll jump out here..keep the car running...."

I have been a room parent for my kids classes ever since they have been in school. I have one going into 6th grade (no more room parenting for him) and one going into 4th grade. I love it. It gives you a chance to get to know parents a little better and if you are going to be in the class at all, it gives you a chance to get to know the kids. I highly recommend it. Remember you can ask for volunteers for room jobs. Nobody expects the room parent to do everything.

S.

room parenting is a great - I've been 2 times now, going on three. Our school's PTA uses Qlubb (www.qlubb.com) to manage all room parenting activities, so it's been really easy for us to organize classroom activities. I think that as long as you are organized, it really is quite a pleasurable experience.

I was a room mother for my son through out his elementary years at school. I loved every minute of it. I was a single mom who worked full time. It was my way of staying in touch with how my son was doing in school and I had the opportunity to go on some great field trips. Both my son and I have great memories of the parties and other activities we did during those times. I highly recommend any parent who's considering it to give it a try, especially dads!

Good for you! It's nice when everyone takes a turn being room parent. I did it once, and what I liked was 1/ really getting to know my child's teacher, 2/ really getting to know other parents, 3/ showing my daughter how highly I value her education. And, yes, it is a pain sometimes. Still, anything you can do to make the teacher's job easier is worthwhile, I think.